Bub’s latest single ‘New Amsterdam’ drops
Here’s an Easter treat for you: today Bub release their single New Amsterdam, the next taster from their forthcoming debut album Can’t Even (due out May 9th).
New Amsterdam is a doo-wop new wave gut-punch from Bub, equal parts self-deprecating and serious. A synth-streaked lament about never quite reaching your potential, the song is dressed up in grungy textures, with a cowbell that slaps golden, and a solo that hits harder than your regrets.
The video is set in 1970s Aotearoa, and stars actors Scotty Cotter and Kura Forrester, plus the mythical golden cowbell. Bub play it silly on screen, but don’t let that fool you – underneath the chaos is a slow-burning anthem for all the beautiful failures out there.
Fronted by powerhouse vocalist and notorious karaoke-ist Priya Sami (vocals, guitar), alongside Daniel Barrett (bass), David Harris (drums), and Joe Kaptein (synths), Bub brings big hooks, sharp lyrics, and just the wrong amount of chaos.
Their debut album Can’t Even drops May 9, 2025, digitally and on vinyl. It’s packed with songs about love, heartbreak, and existential dread – but in a fun way. Whether you’re lovesick, over it, or both at the same time, there’s a song for you. If you’re into The Strokes, The Cars, or Mariah Carey (trust us, it works), you’ll want to keep an eye on these guys.
You may have already heard some of the songs on Can’t Even: Phase 2‘, Dreams, Bored, Jeez Louise and King of Wands. Rest assured, there are more great songs on the album.
“I turned up to Blam Blam Blam tonight with no idea who the support was – and it turned out to be Bub, the Jeez, Louise band, and they were GREAT. Priya Sami has a lot going on, including the funniest banter in NZ music. If The Beths are a bit youth club, Bub are the smoking-behind-the-bike-sheds version.” – Russell Brown
Watch the official video for New Amsterdam here
The New Amsterdam video stars Kura Forrester as Goldie Belle, Aotearoa’s most in-demand session musician, and Scotty “Space Dust” Cotter as Wayne Frankiestens Stevies – a once-great record producer from the 1970s who’s still coasting on a cosmic high from ’76.
Mr. Stevies doesn’t care much for Bub. In fact, he thinks the new track is kinda “meh.” But a gig’s a gig, so he calls in Goldie Belle to sprinkle some magic. The band’s frothing over this new addition – except Priya Sami, who’s not having it.
New Amsterdam is obviously directed by someone who has never seen that “more cowbell” sketch or Womack & Womack’s Teardrops video.
So, this Sunday, light some incense, crack a swappa crate, and let the drama unfold.
